China executed four Canadians for drug crimes

Canadian authorities have confirmed that four Canadians were executed in China earlier this year on drug-related charges.

Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly stated that all individuals held dual citizenship, but their identities have not been disclosed.

A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Canada emphasised the importance of respecting China's judicial sovereignty, while China's foreign ministry stated that the executions were carried out "in accordance with the law" based on "solid and sufficient" evidence. 

China enforces strict penalties for drug offences, and while it does not recognise dual citizenship, executions of foreign nationals remain rare.

China applies capital punishment for serious crimes, including drug offences, corruption, and espionage. 

In 2019, Canadian national Robert Lloyd Schellenberg was sentenced to death in China for drug smuggling, though he was not among those executed.

Source:https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/20/china-executes-4-dual-canadian-citizens-despite-ottawas-plea-for-clemency